Thank you. Thank you very much.

Elvis Aaron Presley was born on this date in 1935 in East Tupelo, Mississippi which would make him 75 if he were alive today. He died on August 17, 1977 at his Graceland mention in Memphis. Though I don't consider myself a huge fan, his influnce on music is unmatched. For a complete biography click here.

Here he is at his best.



For trivia buffs such as myself, here are some interesting facts about the King:

Twin brother Jesse Garon Presley died at birth (Elvis was delivered 35 minutes later).

Won three Grammy Awards, all for his Gospel music.

Was originally considered for the Kris Kristofferson role in A Star Is Born (1976), but Elvis turned it down because manager Tom Parker refused him permission to act in a movie where he wouldn't have top billing. Also, he didn't like the fact that the producer, Jon Peters, was completely unknown.

Is a direct descendant of Abraham Lincoln's great-great grandfather, Isaiah Harrison.

Has sold over 1,300,000,000 albums worldwide; more than any other musical artist/group in the world, including The Beatles.

The book he was reading at the time of his death was "The Scientific Search for the Face of Jesus" by Frank O. Adams, (Psychical Aid Foundation, USA, 1972).

After seeing him in concert, Liberace suggested adding flashy costumes into his act. Elvis took his advice, and became famous for his gold lame jackets and jeweled white jumpsuits. He later reserved a seat for Liberace at many of his concerts.

Inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1998.

Inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame (sponsored by the Gospel Music Association) in 2001.

Made the first ever musical video of all time: Jailhouse Rock.

He was a distant cousin of President Jimmy Carter.

In 1973 he met with Led Zeppelin members Robert Plant and John Paul Jones in Los Angeles. An idol to the members of Led Zeppelin, Elvis wanted to meet "who was outselling him" at concerts (Zeppelin was in the midst of a record-breaking tour that year). A meeting was arranged with two of the four band members (Plant and Jones). Plant was so awestruck at meeting his idol in person that he could barely speak to him. Jones, nearly as awestruck as Plant, made small talk with the "King," and mentioned what a beautiful watch Elvis wore. Elvis, always the generous one, instantly traded his $5,000 gold and diamond watch for Jones' $10 Mickey Mouse watch. This broke the ice with all of them, and they became fast friends. Throughout the early '70s, members of Led Zeppelin even attended a few of Elvis' concerts, and were granted the privilege of sitting in the front row by the King himself.

More people watched Elvis: Aloha from Hawaii (1973) (TV) (live via satellite TV broadcast) than watched Neil Armstrong walk on the moon.

His favourite actors were Marlon Brando and James Dean, the latter Elvis considered an acting genius (in a 1956 interview).

His two favourite books were "The Holy Bible" and "The Impersonal Life".

Shares a birthday with fellow Rock and Roll Hall of Fame members David Bowie, The Doors guitarist Robby Krieger and legendary promoter Bill Graham.

The last song he performed in public was "Can't Help Falling In Love" at The Market Square Arena in Indianapolis, Indiana in 1977.